SN Year in Review 2007: Merger Reveals CEO's Alter Ego

ARE WHOLE FOODS and Wild Oats in a class by themselves? That's what the Federal Trade Commission argued this year unsuccessfully, it would eventually turn out as the two chains sought to merge. If Whole Foods is allowed to devour Wild Oats, it will mean higher prices, reduced quality and fewer choices for consumers, the FTC said in June after considering the antitrust implications of the deal. The

That's what the Federal Trade Commission argued this year — unsuccessfully, it would eventually turn out — as the two chains sought to merge.

“If Whole Foods is allowed to devour Wild Oats, it will mean higher prices, reduced quality and fewer choices for consumers,” the FTC said in June after considering the antitrust implications of the deal.

The two chains are “premium natural and organic” stores that can be de